Day One Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Had we entertained beforehand the thought of going to Damascus, we would have changed our minds when the city came into view. It was a city no longer. What was left was little bigger than a village. A village broken down and smoldering.

I had a flash of concern for our people in the hiding place. And wondered if what befell Damascus had spread its impact that far afield.

Elijah spoke up and put my mind at ease with his assurances.

Tomas, soon after, diverted us onto another path and what was left of Damascus slipped from our view.

I wish I had talked once more with Tomas before he and the Captain took the lead and departed this life.

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Day One Thousand Two Hundred Nineteen #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah has released his disciples. They shall return to the hiding place and take with them a message to our people there.

The message – to prepare for the end by banding together to pray for us. Especially on the ninth day from today. If they travel night and day they should arrive well before then.

Mawuli caught them on the way out and asked them to assure his parents that he was alive and well.

For now we will stay right where we are. Elijah wants to insure that the armies of the East and North drive the forces of the world government back into the plain below the the site of Sy’s redoubt.

We shall shadow them from above.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Seventy Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Elijah has been indefatigable. He has not left Magwich’s side. And has been rewarded, as our friend is freed from his delirium and is alert and talking to us.

In his confusion he had lost sight of us and with everything falling out of the sky to the front of us it seemed a bit safer to head in the opposite direction.

He has no excuse for continuing on when the situation became more clear. He feels silly actually. And apologizes for his curiosity that propelled him onwards to take in what had happened in the affluent quarter.

Most striking, perhaps, was his description of the attitudes of the people there. Extreme hostility towards Elijah, whom they consider evil incarnate.

Day One Thousand One Hundred Fifty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have arrived at the parting of the ways. The last trio of disciples is off to Jerusalem, resigned at last that Elijah will not be of their number and affirming our individual responsibilities to the Spirit.

The drone activity continues nil. Our watches throughout the day reported no one stirring anywhere. We have the main Damascus – Jerusalem road in sight and this total lack of people and vehicles is striking.

The four of us debated the merits of continuing on in the daylight and without resting. In the end we agreed to continue with our present plan.

In talking with Tomas and Reuben, there is excitement and anticipation about being with their friends again. I share the same feelings.

Day One Thousand Fifty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Jordan had taken a long time to get his people into Galilee.  Months had passed hiding out from the army of the East, looking and praying for an opportunity and a way through the lines of that vast army. Finally they skirted around its northern flank, just before that direction was closed by another army coming from the North.

His tale, also told to Sy, is why the latter is reluctant to leave. He feels his destiny lies here.

So this morning we have agreed. Raj P will take Jordan and his people on to the hiding place. And Quasimo shall take Sy’s people there.

Sy shall remain with us, for his vision matches exactly the dream given to me.

Day One Thousand Forty Seven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We have left the patrol and our false friend far behind. The latter whimpering about being abandoned and blind on the mountain path. I was sure that his friends would soon rescue him.

We came about to our original heading and pressed on. And we saw no one in pursuit the rest of the day.

Elijah and I conversed as we went along.

More and more there were signs of the drought deepening. This underlined the importance of convincing Sy and Jordan to bring their people into the safety and security, and yes, to an abundant supply of water offered in the hiding place.

I then finally told him about my dream. The dream of the rising tide of blood.

Day One Thousand Twenty #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

We are across. I feel as if I were swept up in a whirlwind. It all happened so fast.

The road was still throttled with traffic when Elijah turned to me and said that it was time. He directed me to summon the others.

I was glad for those dry runs.

When I arrived back at the relay point, Reuben already had his people alert and prepared to move.

Time seemed to standstill as we raced back to our waiting friends.

Elijah was then in the middle of an empty road holding aloft his staff, and commanding us to cross.

Quasimo met us on the other side and guided us around a platoon of sleeping soldiers.

Soon we ourselves rested.

Day Nine Hundred Ninety Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

What Reuben and Jezer shared about the road between here and the devastated city was helpful and made our decisions easier. The two towns below Reuben’s city lie deserted, their people having fled, fearing they were next for annihilation. They think that we can move by stages and take advantage of their shelter.

Though the Purser voiced some concerns, Reuben had a solution for each, and the rest of us, including Elijah, approved the plan.

So, Tomas was dispatched with the duo and a contingent led by Mawuli which they would leave in the first village to prepare for the first stage.

Reuben with Jezer and Tomas would continue to his hometown and there lend aid to its few survivors.

Day Nine Hundred Seventy Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I’m beginning to fear we might have to return to Babylon. I’ve been turning Mei’s words over and over in my mind, pondering the meaning of something being light and dark simultaneously.  And can come up with no other likely explanation.

Currently.

Tomas continued to energetically move about. He seemed to be everywhere. And no one among all the people we encountered throughout the day knew of any strangers in the land. (The number we encountered was actually quite low).

I brought up my thoughts about Babylon to Elijah. He actually stopped and stood stock still for the longest time.

When he came to, he shook his head ‘no’ and continued onwards.

However, I could not stop thinking about it.

Day Nine Hundred Fifty Three #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

I have to shake off the creeping mindset that has been pushing aside the still, small voice of the Spirit. Vigilance is called for.

I have been so wound up in our own situation, wanting to be free, and desiring the same for our people here, that I was blinded to the turmoil in which our poor captors find themselves.

The very basis for their beliefs has been challenged, or one might say, ground to powder.

Reuben is helping me to see this.

Somehow we must show them the remedy to their disillusionment. And Reuben has pointed out what may be the key. They are men under authority, and with the one they know crumbling, they need the true one.